On International Women’s Day: Women Must Be Part of the Transitional Process After Over 13 Years of Struggle and Sacrifices

Around 16,603 Women Killed, 9,736 Are Still Forcibly Disappeared, and 10,072 Incidents of Sexual Violence Recorded Since March 2011

The Hague – Syrian Network for Human Rights:

Since the outbreak of the popular uprising in Syria in March 2011, women have played a pivotal role in demanding democratic change. They actively participated in peaceful demonstrations, contributed to documenting violations, and provided humanitarian aid to those affected. The role of Syrian women was neither secondary nor merely symbolic; rather, it was fundamental and decisive in various societal, human rights, and political fields. Women were clearly at the forefront of those demanding justice and human rights despite facing escalating challenges.

However, this prominent participation directly exposed women to systematic repression. For over 13 years, they have faced a wide range of serious human rights violations, including arbitrary detention, enforced disappearance, sexual violence, torture, extrajudicial killing, and forced displacement. These violations were not merely side effects or incidental events but rather a deliberate policy aimed at terrorizing society as a whole, crushing its will, and breaking its determination.

Despite the severity of these challenges, Syrian women have demonstrated exceptional resilience and resistance. They took the initiative to establish civil society organizations, actively participated in international human rights forums, and led prominent advocacy campaigns in pursuit of justice and accountability for those involved in violations. Over the past years, women’s efforts have not been limited to confronting these crimes but have also extended to resisting attempts to marginalize and exclude them from various political, social, and civic domains. As Syria enters a transitional phase, it is imperative to recognize the role of women and ensure their active participation in shaping the country’s future in a way that upholds justice and stability and prevents the repetition of past mistakes.